The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) stands isolated in the International Cricket Council (ICC). This is with regards to accepting a hybrid model for next year’s Champions Trophy, with all the other member boards siding with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), RevSportz understands. In fact, it’s now a take-it-or-leave-it situation for the PCB. If they don’t agree to the hybrid model, they might lose the tournament.
On Friday, the ICC Board met virtually to find a workable solution for the Champions Trophy, scheduled to be played in February-March 2025, with the BCCI refusing to send the India team across the border for the tournament, citing security concerns. It is not the BCCI’s decision. The Indian cricket board didn’t receive approval from the Indian government.
According to sources, today’s meeting lasted for less than 15 minutes, with the PCB being presented with the hybrid option. If it is adopted, the majority of the matches will be played in Pakistan, while India will play their games in a second country (likely in Dubai). The alternative is that the Champions Trophy is played outside Pakistan, with the PCB retaining the hosting rights.
It is learnt that the PCB asked for time and they were advised to find a workable solution, in consultation with the BCCI, the ICC and a few other member boards. At that point, the meeting was adjourned. It is likely to be reconvened in a day or two.
The ICC Board has 12 Full Members, three representatives from the Associates and an independent director, along with the chairman and the CEO.
The PCB so far has remained steadfast about not accepting a hybrid model. “We shall take injury, but we shall not take insult this time,” PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi was quoted as saying yesterday. At the ICC meeting, the vibe was still about finding a solution acceptable to all parties. The PCB also needs the Pakistan government’s approval before taking the final call. But if they eventually refuse to budge, Pakistan might lose the tournament.